Are you in the market for a new Apple Watch? Perhaps you should pause for a moment, as the tech giant has slammed the brakes on sales of its flagship models. That’s right, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are being yanked off the shelves due to an intense patent battle. For online buyers, the sales halt happens Thursday, while those who prefer the in-store shopping experience will have until Sunday. This leaves prospective buyers with limited choices, with only the basic Apple Watch SE up for grabs once the suspension takes effect.
What’s behind this sudden twist of events, you ask? Well, it all comes down to a legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, a health technology company from California. Masimo alleges that Apple has infringed on its patents, particularly concerning the SpO2 sensor that enables blood oxygen measurement on the pricier Apple Watches. The U.S. International Trade Commission sided with Masimo back in October, and while that decision is still under review, Apple intends to make a stand in a federal circuit court.
In the meantime, Apple is toiling away on potential software updates to tackle the patent issues, according to reports from Bloomberg. However, these updates may require months of testing and might still fall short in bypassing Masimo’s patents. Apple could also consider negotiating a licensing agreement with Masimo for their blood oxygen sensor technology, or, in a drastic move, remove the pulse oximeter from its watches altogether.
But what’s the fuss about this SpO2 sensor feature anyway? Well, it’s a nifty tool that gauges oxygen saturation levels by beaming light through the user’s skin. This allows for passive tracking of blood oxygen levels throughout the day when the feature is activated, granting users the ability to take manual measurements anytime.
The Series 9 and Ultra 2 are loaded with a slew of health features tailored for iPhone users, making them top picks for those keen on monitoring their well-being. These watches boast an array of functions, including the ECG feature for detecting atrial fibrillation. On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE, the sole model remaining available for purchase, offers different health features such as high and low heart rate alerts and fall detection.
If you’ve got your heart set on the Series 9 or Ultra 2, time is of the essence. The clock is ticking and the deadline looms – December 24 marks the last day to snag an in-store purchase from Apple’s website. Should you miss this cut-off, fear not, as third-party retailers like Walmart and Best Buy will continue to sell both models.
So, there you have it, the saga of the Apple Watch unfolds. With Apple temporarily pulling its chart-topping models amid this legal skirmish, the fate of these sought-after smartwatches hangs in the balance. It’s a waiting game for Apple and its customers, but one thing is certain – the smartwatch showdown is far from over. Keep your eyes on the ticking hands of time, and await the next twist in this tale of tech turmoil.
